What is Sam Altman’s biometric project?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is Sam Altman’s biometric project?”  published in The Hindu on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has formally re-introduced the Worldcoin Project. 

What is the Worldcoin Project?

Worldcoin is an iris biometric cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity. This organization was founded in 2019 by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Max Novendstern, and Alex Blania.

Purpose: It is an initiative to create a digital network in which everyone can claim some kind of stake, and join the digital economy.

Working of the project: The Worldcoin project uses a straightforward model: Worldcoin volunteers known as “Orb operators” scan a person’s iris pattern with a device called “Orb” to collect their biometric data and issue them with a World ID through the World app.

– With the World app, the members can claim the World Coin(WLD) crypto, which they may use for transactions or hold on to the asset in the hope that its price might rise.

– In return for signing up more people to the Worldcoin network, Orb operators get WLD, which is a token based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Has Worldcoin come to India?

Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.

Why does Worldcoin scan irises?

Worldcoin explained that it wanted to include everyone in its network and that using biometric information to avoid duplication was a valid method for this.

The company claimed that it ensures privacy of users through zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and claims full compliance with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Why is the Worldcoin Project facing criticism?

Experts have questioned the necessity of using the iris as a digital identifier, as it is a sensitive and unalterable biometric data that could be used for malicious or discriminatory purposes.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about Worldcoin storing user data on a centralized server, which could potentially facilitate unauthorized access or data leaks.